Overview
The Otorhinolaryngology (ENT) Unit is part of the Department of Surgery at CHUK. It is a diverse clinical specialty that deals with disorders of the head and neck region, primarily diseases affecting the ear, nose, and throat. Over the past years, the specialty has significantly expanded in scope and depth, driven by the establishment of the ENT residency program at the University of Rwanda in 2010 and strengthened through partnerships with the German ENT Association and Boston Children’s Hospital.
An ENT surgeon specializes in the evaluation and treatment of conditions related to the ear, nose (including sinuses), and throat (including voice and speech). The unit also manages head and neck cancers and provides surgical treatment for obstructive sleep apnea.
Head and Neck Surgery
Surgical management of benign and malignant tumors of the salivary glands, thyroid and parathyroid glands, oral cavity, nasopharynx, oropharynx, larynx, and cervical lymph nodes. A multidisciplinary approach is adopted in collaboration with related specialties to ensure comprehensive diagnosis and treatment of head and neck cancers.
Otology (Ear)
Treatment and surgery for acute and chronic ear infections, including cholesteatoma, mastoiditis, and suppurative otitis media, as well as evaluation and management of hearing loss and vertigo.
Rhinology and Paranasal Sinuses (Nose)
Diagnosis and surgical management of nasal and sinus tumors, chronic sinusitis, and septal deformities. Advanced techniques such as Functional Endoscopic Sinus Surgery (FESS) and transpalatal approaches to the nasopharynx are performed. Clinical diagnosis and treatment of allergic rhinitis are also provided.
Laryngology and Speech
Evaluation and treatment of voice and speech disorders, including video laryngoscopy. Both endoscopic and open laryngotracheal surgeries are performed for various laryngeal conditions.
Pediatric Otolaryngology
Evaluation and surgical treatment of childhood ENT conditions such as chronic or recurrent tonsillitis, otitis media with effusion, and pediatric airway disorders. Congenital abnormalities such as lymphangiomas, cysts, and choanal atresia are managed. Routine procedures include tonsillectomy, insertion of ventilation tubes, and microlaryngobronchoscopy (MLB) for airway evaluation and foreign body removal.
Audiology (Hearing and Vertigo)
Audiology services support the evaluation and management of hearing loss, vertigo, and balance disorders due to vestibular dysfunction. Comprehensive audiological assessments and vestibular function tests, including the Dix-Hallpike maneuver, are performed. Therapeutic interventions such as canalith repositioning maneuvers are also available.
Acute Trauma Surgery
As CHUK is a national Level I Trauma Center, the unit provides care for a wide range of injuries, from simple soft tissue lacerations to complex maxillofacial fractures, in collaboration with the Oral and Maxillofacial Unit. Management also includes penetrating and non-penetrating neck trauma and acute airway emergencies.
Organization of the Unit
Outpatient Department (OPD)
The ENT clinic operates from Monday to Friday, 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM, for non-admitted patients. It includes three consultation rooms equipped with treatment units and diagnostic facilities such as examination microscopes, flexible endoscopy, and video otolaryngoscopy. The department also has an audiology cabin with a pure-tone audiometer and tympanometer, as well as a treatment room for nursing care and minor procedures under local anesthesia.
Admission Ward
The main ENT admission ward is located in the Ophthalmology Pavilion. Some patients are admitted to Izere Pavilion or Clinic Pavilion based on their needs. Regular follow-up is provided for admitted patients with ENT conditions and associated comorbidities across the hospital. Emergency and inpatient services are available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.
Operating Theater
Major ENT surgeries, both elective and emergency, are performed in the main operating theater. The unit has four operating sessions per week (Monday, Wednesday, and Friday).